The lineup for the fifth annual Freep Film Festival is here. Arriving April 11-15, it features more than 70 programs, including multiple world and Michigan premieres.

The documentary-focused lineup puts a special emphasis on films with strong connections to Detroit and Michigan, though as the festival has gotten bigger, the programming has cast a wider net, too.

Tickets for most of the films are on sale now, or will be soon. Once on-sale links are live, they will be available on this story, at freepfilmfestival.com and at festival partner venues.

More detailed information on the films below, including all the titles in the shorts programs, is available at freepfilmfestival.com.

Without further delay, the 2018 lineup:

‘All Sports Shorts: Shorts Program 2’

Move over Pistons, Tigers and Lions. Under-the-radar Michigan sports are the focus of this program that features a legendary motorcycle hill climb, canoe-racing legends, a group of women divers attempting a distinctly Great Lakes feat and a southwest Detroit community keeping hockey alive in Hockeytown. Part of the Short’s on Short Films series Presented by Short’s Brewing Company.

‘Bean’

A casual right swipe on dating app Tinder forever changes the lives of two young women. Within weeks of their first date, Lori learns that she's a kidney donor match for her new girlfriend, Alana. “Bean” chronicles the couple’s emotional medical journey as they begin an organ donation process that tests the true limits of love and sacrifice.

‘Beauty and Ruin’

Beauty and Ruin | Freep Film Festival 2018(Photo: Marc de Guerre)

Does art matter to a city fighting for its life? This film follows the battle over the artwork at the Detroit Institute of Arts as the city faced bankruptcy in 2013. With pensions of retired city workers at risk in the bankruptcy and creditors clamoring for the sale of art, the stage is set for a titanic tug-of-war for control of the DIA’s city-owned paintings. “Beauty and Ruin” is an authoritative behind-the-scenes look at the crisis that could have destroyed the DIA. Michigan premiere.

‘The Big House’

Big House movie, FFF 2018(Photo: Big House)

This documentary eschews gridiron grandeur to look closely at everything — from the cooks to the cops to the cleaners — that goes into hosting more than 100,000 people for a football Saturday at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. The film’s observational approach avoids interviews or narrative in favor of capturing many smaller stories that occur on game day. Metro Detroit premiere.

‘The Blood is at the Doorstep’

Blood is at the Doorstep(Photo: Gunpowder & Sky)

In 2014 an unarmed African-American male named Dontre Hamilton was shot and killed in Milwaukee by a police officer, who fired 14 times. "The Blood is at the Doorstep" profiles Hamilton's family in the wake of their loss and documents their fight for justice. Michigan premiere.

6 p.m. Thu., April 12, Emagine Royal Oak. Buy tickets here.

‘Call Us Ishmael’

"Call Us Ishmael" is an intimate look at the world’s obsession with Herman Melville’s “Moby-Dick,” which many consider the great American novel. Dozens of historians, artists, philosophers, and fanatics explore the novel’s artistic and cultural legacy and impact.

‘Clerks’

Kevin Smith’s hilariously foul-mouthed debut about a clan hanging at a New Jersey convenience store gets an afterparty screening following his “Jay and Silent Bob Get Old” live performance that launches the festival on April 10. Yes, you are supposed to be here today.

‘Dark Money’

A century ago, corrupt money swamped Montana’s legislature, but Montanans rose up to prohibit corporate campaign contributions. Today, in the wake of the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision — which allows unlimited, anonymous money to pour into elections nationwide — Montana is once again fighting to preserve open and honest elections. Following an investigative reporter through a political thriller, “Dark Money” exposes one of the greatest threats to American democracy. Michigan premiere.

‘Descent into the Maelstrom’

Sydney, Australia. 1974. A group of outsiders form the high energy rock ’n’ roll band Radio Birdman, forever determined to keep compromise from their art. Inspired by Detroit-connected acts like MC5 and the Stooges – and led by Ann Arbor native Deniz Tek – the group changed Australia by inspiring a golden age of indie music. North American premiere.

‘Detroit 48202: Conversations Along a Postal Route’

Detroit 48202 / Freep Film Festival 2018(Photo: Detroit 48202)

"Detroit 48202" examines the rise, demise and contested resurgence of Detroit through the lens of mail carrier Wendell Watkins and the residents he has faithfully served for 30 years. Foregrounding the voices of African-American working class Detroiters, it offers a nuanced and complex understanding of a city at the crossroads. World premiere.

‘Dinner in Abruzzo’ with ‘A Wife Called Phoenicia’

It’s a return engagement for this documentary short from Free Press restaurant critic Mark Kurlyandchik – but with a couple new twists. Two of the Detroit area’s best chefs – James Rigato (Mabel Gray) and Luciano Del Signore (Bacco Ristorante) – take a culinary trip to Del Signore’s parents’ hometown in Abruzzo, Italy, to attend a cousin’s wedding and seriously cook for much of his Italian family for the first time.

The film will pair with “A Wife Called Phoenicia,” a new short from Kurlyandchik that takes an inside look at the family-run Birmingham Lebanese restaurant Phoenicia, which has been in business for nearly five decades.

Special event: A limited number of tickets to this screening will include a full dinner at the nearby Chartreuse restaurant. The meal will be inspired by “Dinner in Abruzzo” and prepared by Rigato and Del Signore. Dinner begins at 4 p.m. with drinks/appetizers and continues following the film. Buy Movie+Dinner tickets here.

‘El Mar La Mar’

This meditative, experimental journey across the Sonoran Desert is one of two films in this year’s festival co-presented by Detroit's Cinema Lamont, which focuses on world cinema. Eschewing facts and figures in favor of a more sensory approach, the film approximates the feel of Mexico's hottest landscape as experienced by migrants making their way toward the U.S. border. Michigan premiere.

‘Fighting the Good Fight: Shorts Program 1’

A group of concerned citizens, dedicated activists and stubborn residents prove that their communities and the environment are worth fighting for in this collection of documentary shorts. Part of the Short’s on Short Films series Presented by Short’s Brewing Company.

‘Freedom for the Wolf’

This strident documentary argues that global democracy is in crisis. Filmed over three years in five countries, “Freedom for the Wolf” is an epic investigation into what the documentary sees as a new regime of illiberal democracy. The Audience Award winner for documentary feature at this year’s Slamdance Film Festival, “Freedom for the Wolf” provides global context for understanding the Trump phenomenon. Michigan premiere.

‘From the Streets of Detroit: Shorts Program 3’

Detroit’s streets are filled with stories that reflect the dynamic changes and numerous challenges affecting the city and its citizens. Part of the Short’s on Short Films series Presented by Short’s Brewing Company.

‘The Gateway Bug’

Over 2 billion people on earth eat insects for protein. “The Gateway Bug” explores how changing our daily eating habits could feed humanity in an uncertain age, one meal at a time. Detroit Ento, a sustainable urban protein firm, is featured in the film, as is the first-ever edible bug convention in North America, which takes place in the Motor City. Part of Freep Film Festival’s Food on Film series. Presented by the Michigan Film & Digital Media Office.

‘I Am Evidence’

Set partly in Detroit — where the discovery of thousands of untested rape kits made national headlines — “I Am Evidence” exposes the alarming backlog of untested rape kits in the United States through a character-driven narrative. Produced by (and featuring) Mariska Hargitay of the NBC show “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” the documentary asks not just why there is a rape kit backlog, but also what can be done to fix the problem. Metro Detroit premiere.

‘I Like to Hurt People’

This bonkers vintage wrestling documentary shot entirely in Detroit was originally conceived as a schlock horror film. With touches of the initially planned fictional film joining little-seen footage of prime ‘80s personalities like Andre the Giant, Bobo Brazil and Michigan native Ed (the Sheik) Farhat enthralling audiences at Cobo and carousing around the streets of a bygone Detroit, “I Like to Hurt People” achieves an absurd synthesis of historical document and meta cultural parody.

‘The Joe’

DETROIT, MI - APRIL 9: Just prior to the ceremony to close Joe Louis Arena following the NHL hockey game between the New Jersey Devils and Detroit Red Wings on April 9, 2017, at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Steven King/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)(Photo: Icon Sportswire, Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Joe Louis Arena was the home of the Red Wings from its opening in 1979 until the team’s move to Little Caesars Arena in 2017. Filmmaker Evan Neel captures the events of that time – including some of the franchise’s most glorious moments – along with the spirit that ties Detroit to its sports teams and their homes. World premiere.

‘Last Days of Chinatown’

Detroit's Cass Corridor, one of the roughest areas in the city for the past 100 years, is experiencing a complete overhaul, as long-awaited development finally sweeps the area. This feature from noted Detroit artist Nicole Macdonald mixes a personal, journalistic and historic approach as it looks at who and what remains in the Corridor. World premiere.

‘Mama Africa: Miriam Makeba!’

This powerful look at South African singer and anti-apartheid activist Miriam Makeba played a few film festivals in 2011, but was then taken out of circulation. Now receiving its official U.S. release, it profiles the first African musician to become a true international star. Using rare archive footage of her performances, interviews and intimate scenes filmed over the years, the documentary expertly exposes the tumultuous but always fascinating life of a worldwide icon.

‘Michelin Stars: Tales from the Kitchen’

A coveted starred rating from the Michelin Guide can make a chef’s career. Missing out on one can also break it. This film provides an in-depth look at Michelin chefs and their restaurants, while accessing a somewhat secretive world to show how those stars are earned – or not. Michigan premiere. Part of Freep Film Festival’s Food on Film series. Presented by the Michigan Film & Digital Media Office.

‘Minding the Gap’

Minding the Gap, Freep Film Festival 2018(Photo: Kartemquin)

Three young men bond through their love of skateboarding while escaping volatile family lives in their Rust Belt hometown. As they face adult responsibilities, unexpected revelations threaten their decade-long friendship. Michigan premiere.

‘Pick of the Litter’

“Pick of the Litter” follows a litter of puppies from the moment they’re born and begin their quest to become guide dogs for the blind. Cameras follow these pups through an intense two-year odyssey as they train to become dogs whose ultimate responsibility is to protect their blind partners from harm. Michigan premiere.

This double feature at the Redford Theatre pairs a documentary about famed participatory journalist George Plimpton with a 50th anniversary 35mm screening of “Paper Lion,” an adaptation of Plimpton's best-selling book about going undercover as a rookie Lions quarterback for Sports Illustrated.

‘The Pretender’ and ‘Rocky III’ (Double feature)

Mike Kunda, 50, who lives in a ranch house in suburban Philadelphia, bears more than a passing resemblance to Sylvester Stallone.(Photo: thepretendermovie.com)

Eye of the tiger! This double feature at the Redford Theatre pairs the third installment of the Rocky franchise with a documentary (“The Pretender,” directed by Sterling Heights resident Jim Toscano) about a Rocky impersonator who is as relentless as the boxer he idolizes.

‘The Price of Everything’

With unprecedented access to pivotal artists (including Jeff Koons, Larry Poons and Marilyn Minter) and the white-hot market surrounding them, “The Price of Everything” dives deep into the contemporary art world to provide an inside look at how big money can drive the art world – and how the art world can drive big money. The film holds a mirror up to our values and our times — where everything can be bought and sold.

‘Ramen Heads’

Ramen Heads(Photo: Gunpowder & Sky)

Take a journey with Japan's top ramen masters and their legions of devoted fans. Mixing in a brief rundown of ramen's historical roots, the film gives viewers an in-depth look at the culture surrounding this unique and beguiling dish. Michigan premiere. Part of Freep Film Festival’s Food on Film series. Presented by the Michigan Film & Digital Media Office.

‘The Registry’

“The Registry” breaks open the hidden history of the U.S. Armyʼs Military Intelligence Service (MIS) during World War II – a story made possible because of a few aging veterans with a little Internet savvy and a lot of determination. Thereʼs little doubt the 7,000 soldiers of the Military Intelligence Service helped shorten World War II by as much as two years. They were fluent in Japanese. They were interrogators, interpreters and linguists. But who were they?

‘Rodents of Unusual Size’

Rodents of Unusual Size(Photo: Chris Metzler)

The residents of Louisiana never know what will attack them next: floods, hurricanes, even monstrous swamp rats. Meet fisherman turned bounty hunter Thomas Gonzales and a pack of colorful diehards as they defend their land, culture and way of life against the unforgiving forces of nature. It is man vs. rodent. Michigan premiere.

‘The Russian Five’

Featured in the documentary "The Russian Five" are (clockwise from top left) Sergei Federov, Jeff Daniels, Igor Larionov and Darren McCarty.(Photo: "The Russian Five")

This is the dramatic story of the five Russian hockey stars who helped propel the Detroit Red Wings to two Stanley Cup championships and created one of the most memorable chapters in Motor City sports history. World premiere.

VIP party 6:30 p.m. Wed., film at 8 p.m. April 11, The Fillmore Detroit. Sold out.

‘Soufra’

Mariam Shaar – a generational refugee who has spent her entire life in the Burj El Barajneh refugee camp just south of Beirut, Lebanon – sets out against all odds to launch a successful catering company and then expand it into a food truck business with a diverse team of fellow refugee women. Directed by Michigan native and Central Michigan University grad Thomas A. Morgan. Michigan premiere. Part of Freep Film Festival’s Food on Film series. Presented by the Michigan Film & Digital Media Office.

‘Street Fighting Men’

In a rapidly changing America where mass inequality and dwindling opportunity have devastated the black working class, three Detroit men must fight to build something lasting for themselves and future generations. Shot over three years in the neighborhoods of Detroit, “Street Fighting Men” is a modern American narrative: a story of hard work, faith and manhood in a community left to fend for itself. Michigan premiere.

‘Tell Me a Story: Shorts Program 4’

Everyone has a story to tell, as evidenced by this group of shorts that explore interesting histories, complicated characters and life-changing events that define a person’s place in the world. Part of the Short’s on Short Films series Presented by Short’s Brewing Company.

‘Through the Banks of the Red Cedar’

Through the Banks of the Red Cedar, Freep Fest 2018(Photo: Maya Washington)

The daughter of Michigan State University football legend Gene Washington uncovers the Spartans’ key role in integrating college football in the ‘60s, a Duffy Daugherty-led effort that resulted in one of MSU football’s greatest eras — and changed the game forever. As director Washington peels back MSU’s story, she develops a newly formed appreciation for the game and a deeper connection to her father, just in time to witness the Spartan football team ascend to national prominence 50 years later. World premiere.

‘The United States of Detroit’

Residents of Detroit's neighborhoods fight for survival and growth in a city with an uncertain future, working tirelessly to improve their communities in spite of the lack of resources. The characters in this film find ways to succeed and even thrive by activating the power of their community.

‘A Visit with Jam Handy’

Between the 1910s and the 1980s, the Jam Handy Organization made thousands of advertising, industrial and training films in their studio complex on East Grand Boulevard. Here are three of the most spectacular, presented as made in 35mm and shown inside the studio where they were created.

A Visit With Jam Handy(Photo: Rick Prelinger)

“Master Hands”: This is a hypnotically thrilling symphony of industry highlighting the skilled hands of auto workers building cars in Flint. Shot in GM factories several months before the successful UAW-led sitdown strikes of 1936-37, the film shows both the grandeur and monotony of auto production when Detroit had no rival.

“American Look”: This 1958 tribute to every realm of American mid-century design — interior, product, industrial, graphic, packaging, architectural — marvels at the bright Populuxe world of the late 1950s. The last third of the film takes place at the General Motors Technical Center in Warren, where designers toil behind locked doors to shape and style the fins of the 1959 Chevrolet.

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”: In 1948, Hollywood animator Max Fleischer crafted a modern-for-its-time Rudolph story that actually resembles other Handy films more than Fleischer’s classic cartoons.

7:30 p.m. Fri., April 13, Jam Handy. Buy tickets here.Note: Time was moved from 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

‘Voices of the Sea’

From producer and Detroit native Capella Fahoome comes the story of this tiny, remote coastal village in Cuba where poverty reigns. And for all the talk of normalizing U.S. relations, nobody believes anything will ever change. An escape to pursue the American Dream preoccupies almost everyone, but fisherman Orlando espouses a different philosophy, passing on his fishing craft to their eldest son. Michigan premiere. Co-presented by Cinema Lamont.

‘The Wall’

"Build the wall." A simple, three-word phrase that helped define a campaign. But along the U.S.-Mexico border, nothing is that simple. Traveling by air and by land, investigative reporters embark on a 2,000-mile journey to dissect the issues of Trump's proposed border wall. The film is a collaboration between the Free Press team behind “12th and Clairmount” and fellow USA Today Network journalists at the Arizona Republic. World premiere.

‘Won't You Be My Neighbor?’

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Fred Rogers on the set of his show Mr. Rogers Neighborhood from the film, WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR, a Focus Features release.
Credit: Jim Judkis / Focus Features
(Photo: Jim Judkis)

From Academy Award-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville (“20 Feet from Stardom”), “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” takes an intimate look at America’s favorite neighbor: Mister Fred Rogers. A portrait of a man whom we all think we know, this emotional and moving film takes us beyond the zip-up cardigans and the land of make-believe, and into the heart of a creative genius who inspired generations of children with compassion and limitless imagination. Michigan premiere.

6 p.m. Fri., April 13, Emagine Royal Oak. Buy tickets here.

'You Are Never Too Old to Fall in Love'

Though they arrived three decades apart, these documentary shorts have a remarkable commonality: Both were created by Michigan-connected directors. Both were nominated for Academy Awards. Both deal with love late in life.

"Young at Heart": Co-directed by metro Detroiters Sue Marx and Pamela Conn, “Young at Heart” follows two widowed metro Detroit artists in their mid-eighties who meet on a painting trip and fall in love. In 1988, it won the documentary short Academy Award.

“Edith+Eddie”: Edith and Eddie, ages 96 and 95, are America's oldest interracial newlyweds. Their love story is disrupted by a family feud that threatens to tear the couple apart. Directed by Ann Arbor native Laura Checkoway, the film was Oscar-nominated in the documentary short category this year.

'12th and Clairmount'

It’s a return engagement for this Free Press documentary that debuted at the 2017 Freep Film Festival. Home movie footage donated by metro Detroiters provides the spine of “12th and Clairmount,” which looks back at the Detroit riot of 1967 — and its causes and aftermath.